Face Lift Procedure Details
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FACE LIFT PROCEDURE

Typically performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, the face lift procedure may well take up to four hours or longer depending on if you have having more than one procedure performed and the technique best for you.

During the conventional face lift, the incisions typically starts above the hairline, extends down in the front of the ear and circles back within the hairline. After the skin is released and raised from the face, a layer of tissue called the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) is uncovered. This layer is repositioned and/or tightened, excess skin is removed, and the incisions are closed with very fine sutures. Small tubes may be placed under your skin behind the ears to drain any blood that may have collected during surgery. Your head may be bandaged to reduce bruising and swelling. After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room until you wake and are able to go home, which normally takes several hours. Your surgeon may recommend an overnight stay.

FACE LIFT PREPARATION

Throughout your consultation you should be very open: provide all of your medical history and list all of the medications, vitamins, and herbs you are taking (even if you don't think they're important).

Here are some tips that may help you reduce scarring, shorten your recovery time, and decrease your chances of complications:

• Discontinue using Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naprosyn, St. John's Wort, and Vitamin E for one week before and a few days after your procedure. These act as blood thinners and could cause problems with blood clotting.

• Stop smoking for at least two weeks before and one week after surgery as nicotine can impair circulation and healing.

• Avoid excessive sun exposure including tanning booths, facials, steaming masks, and other skin irritants.

• Don't drink alcohol in excess for two weeks before or one week after surgery.

• Drink lots of water in the days leading up to your procedure.

To make your recovery easier and more comfortable, be sure to:

• Arrange for someone to take you home and to take care of you for at least the first day.

• Fill your prescriptions and place them within easy reach where you will be resting.

• Place a bed wedge by to keep your head elevated at all times.

• You may also want to allow your hair to grow out if it is short. This will help hide scars after surgery.

FACE LIFT POST SURGERY

Some bruising, swelling, and the feeling of tightness is expected. While your face is swollen it may look and feel strange to you. Stitches will come out or be absorbed on their own between a week and ten days. Bruising and swelling lessen within a week to ten days. If you feel like you've lost sensation in the treated areas, don't be distressed. As your nerves begin to regenerate, feeling and sensation ought to return to normal. Pain is moderate with this procedure but a pain medication will be prescribed to control any discomfort. However, if you begin to have a sudden onset of pain or if your pain becomes severe, contact us immediately.

The recovery process is unique for everyone, but within a day of your face lift, you should be up walking around. You may bathe following the surgery as long as you keep your dressings dry. Keep you head elevated at all times for two weeks following surgery. You may also apply small ice packs to help reduce swelling and discomfort. Over the next couple of weeks you face may be very sensitive and you may want to consider using special camouflage makeup as you heal. For the first week or two you should plan on being out of work and away from your usual activities. After this period, you may gradually return to activities such as lifting, exercise, and sex. Avoid any high impact activities for about one month. Steer clear from saunas for a few months as the steam can affect healing. These precautions will help you avoid stress to our scars and allow time for your facial tissue to heal and recover.

While there will be permanent scars, usually they will be well hidden by your hair. The scares are usually small and become difficult to see as they heal over time. Your facial appearance will improve over a period of several months and you should be able to keep results that you will love for a very long time.